In case you didn’t know – Annie thinks Britain is beautiful

This will be a confused tale of multiple walks, starting with a stride out on the Purbecks of Dorset, up into Essex for a sharp trot around Audley End, a quick jaunt over to Haslemere (a very cute town), a few bike recces on the Pilgrim’s Way and a final leg stretcher in Knole, May had certainly delivered.

Torrential rain, hail, fog, floods and drought – it’s been a tough start to the year – but….it got a whole lot better…for a bit?

Wow – sunsets glowing ruby red, glades of grasshopper green, skies as blue as a Tory rosette (struggling now I know but better than referencing Maggie’s eyeshadow)…what a month.

Leaving the sea behind, the countryside is still a wow.

The Isle of Purbeck, green-upon-green with swathes of yellow, stunning.

Glorious blossom at Knole

Back up to Knole, blossom abundant and swaggering along trees and hedgerows.

Ummmm but not all good, Rufus had been a bit of a slacker, preferring to hang out with the young Alfie than do Home Counties walks, so Annie had resorted to stealing the gorgeous Lilia for the glorious Haslemere circular, check out this short version.

Haslemere deserved a short back and sides ey Lilia…

Audley End, a fine house indeed, but possibly not worth the £12.50 entry fee, just enjoy the views, daffodils, historic houses, cricket and cream teas…oh.. and check out the renowned (not really) Saffron Trail, yes Saffron Walden was the heart of the Saffron trade in Britain.

Audley End

As the wet weather threatens to return, good for the fish but not the Jubilee, the walks will continue, maybe not with Oakleys perched, but as I always say –

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but about learning to dance in the rain….so come on get out there, a fabulous year so far and I think its going to get even better.